Tucked away inside a quiet commercial street on Cambie and Sexsmith, Night Owl Cafe is the kind of spot you only find by chance — but once you do, you’ll keep going back. Despite being just across the street from the bustling Continental Shopping Centre, most people have never heard of this small Hong Kong café. But ask anyone who has visited, and they’ll tell you: this is one of Richmond’s most underrated gems for authentic, home-style HK comfort food.
We came for their famous baked pork chop on rice and classic hot Hong Kong milk tea, but left discovering so much more about this charming little café and the couple behind it.
A Family-Run Hidden Gem
Night Owl Cafe has been quietly serving Richmond locals for over eight years. Run by a husband-and-wife team, this cozy café has roughly 40 seats and embodies everything people love about old-school mom-and-pop eateries — simple, comforting food made with care.
When we asked the owners why they named their restaurant Night Owl Cafe, especially since they close before sunset, the owner laughed. “We just like owls,” she said. That small exchange says everything about the place — humble, lighthearted, and welcoming.
The chef, who’s also the owner, runs a one-man kitchen, ensuring every dish meets his standards. He’s particular about ingredients, personally choosing everything that comes into his kitchen. And you can taste the difference — every dish feels intentional, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared.
The Menu at Night Owl Cafe
Signature Drinks and Seasonal Specials
If there’s one thing Night Owl Cafe is known for, it’s their hot Hong Kong milk tea. Unlike many HK cafés that leave their teapots boiling all day, Night Owl only brews milk tea to order, ensuring it’s never over-steeped or burnt. The result? A rich, smooth tea that perfectly balances the creaminess of the milk with the robustness of the tea leaves.
Right now, they’re also featuring a seasonal special — the Honey Frozen Milk Tea. Instead of diluting the drink with ice cubes, the drink is encapsulated in a hollow ice shell that keeps it cold without watering it down. Crack the ice open and you’ll find a small fortune slip tucked inside — a playful, creative twist that’s been a hit among customers. It’s a limited-time item, so be sure to try it before it’s gone for the winter.
What to Eat at Night Owl Cafe
It’s no exaggeration to say that Night Owl’s baked pork chop on rice might be the best in Richmond. The tomato sauce strikes a rare balance — not overly sweet, not too tangy, and perfectly coats the crispy, tender pork chop beneath. It’s comforting in the most nostalgic way, a dish that truly takes back to iconic restaurants in Hong Kong.
Another must-try is their duck breast tossed noodles — chewy Ichiban-style noodles mixed in a house-made soy-based sweet sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels deceptively simple but has so much depth in flavour.
For those who prefer something lighter, the café also serves all-day breakfast. From eggs and toast to omelettes and soup noodles, breakfast lovers can enjoy their morning favourites any time of day.
Every dish reflects the chef’s personal touch and the couple’s commitment to serving real, hearty Hong Kong-style comfort food — without cutting corners.
If you’re craving something with a little heat, the curry chicken on rice is a standout. Their Hong Kong–style curry is slightly spicy but never overpowering, with crispy potatoes that somehow stay firm even while drenched in sauce. The chicken is tender and smooth, soaking up every bit of flavour from the curry.
You also can’t go wrong with their satay beef stone bowl rice — a dish that comes out sizzling. The stone bowl creates crispy, golden bits of rice at the bottom while the satay sauce adds a bold, nutty flavour. Combined with tender slices of beef, it’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you grew up loving Hong Kong cafés, or you’re just looking for a hidden gem that feels authentic and homey, Night Owl Cafe Richmond deserves a spot on your list. It’s small, family-run, and easy to miss — but that’s what makes it special.
Whether you stop by for a hot milk tea, a plate of baked pork chop rice, or their creative seasonal drinks, you’ll walk away with a full stomach and a warm feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Quick Info
📍 Address: 8580 Cambie Rd #104, Richmond, BC
🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8AM–3PM
💸 Price Range: $13–$20
🚗 Parking: Free parking available in front of the restaurant and in the stalls marked “104” inside the covered lot.
⭐ Must Try: Hot Milk Tea, Baked Pork Chop on Rice, Duck Breast Tossed Noodles
🌐 Website: nightowlcafe.ca — 10% off all takeout orders.